Mount Givens
Usa, north-america
N/A
3,091 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're up for an epic off-road adventure in California's Sierra National Forest, Mount Givens is calling your name! This beast of a road climbs to a whopping 10,141 feet, making it one of the highest drives in the state.
Picture this: a rugged, gravel road snaking its way up the mountain, hairpin turns galore, and views that'll make your jaw drop. This isn't your Sunday drive; it's a steep, maintained jeep trail that goes almost straight to the summit. You'll need a 4x4 and some serious driving skills to tackle this one. And if heights aren't your thing... maybe sit this one out.
The road's usually clear of snow between June and October, but be warned: even a little rain can turn this into a challenging drive. Keep an eye out for loose gravel, and always be ready for unpredictable weather, even in the summer. Trust me, a little prep work goes a long way in making this an unforgettable, and safe, adventure!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 3,091 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
easyThe curvy yet scenic TX-166 road
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along TX-166, the Scenic Loop, smack-dab in the Davis Mountains of Texas. This paved road, just south of Fort Davis, is one of the highest in the state, topping out at a cool 6,220 feet! It's a 42.8-mile (68.87km) ribbon of asphalt that opened back in '47, twisting and turning its way through some of Texas’ most remote scenery. The lanes are a bit narrow, and the shoulders are grassy, adding to the wild feel. While there are some fun curves, it's not a super challenging drive. What *is* challenging is keeping your eyes on the road with those HUGE mountains all around. You'll feel tiny! Keep an eye out for ice, especially in the colder months. Spring is wildflower season - and it's extra beautiful. The route climbs and dips offering some seriously dramatic elevation changes. Just remember, pull-over spots are rare, so have your camera ready to grab those mountain shots on the go! There aren't any towns along the way, it's just you and the tough, stunning landscape.
hardDriving Kusawa Lake Road: A Challenging Adventure to the Glacial Blue Lake in Yukon
🇨🇦 Canada
Just outside Whitehorse, near the BC border, lies the stunning glacial blue Kusawa Lake, named "long narrow lake" in Tlingit. This popular fishing and tourist spot is accessed via Kusawa Lake Road, a completely unpaved adventure! Hugging the Takhini River, this 24km (14.91 miles) stretch winds and narrows its way north from Mile 960 of the Alaska Highway (Hwy 1) to a campground near the lake. Reaching an elevation of 754m (2,473ft), the road is a scenic but challenging drive, especially after rain when it can get muddy. Sandy sections can also get pitted, and due to environmental factors, there’s an elevated risk of flooding or mudflows. The steep sections will definitely keep you on your toes! Open seasonally from May to October, this route offers an unforgettable taste of the Yukon's wild beauty.
moderateWhere is Little Mountain Summit?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure lovers, because Little Mountain Summit in Utah is calling your name! This high-altitude pass, clocking in at 6,250 feet, sits pretty in Salt Lake County, just east of Salt Lake City near the university area. The road to the top? It's called Emigration Canyon Road and it's a smooth, paved dream with plenty of twists, turns, and hairpin bends to keep you on your toes. Be warned, though, some sections are seriously steep, especially as you get closer to the summit. The ride stretches for a cool 10.2 miles, running from Foothill Drive to Utah State Route 65. Think of it as one of the most popular canyon cruises in the area, offering stunning views and a fun driving experience. Nestled in the Wasatch Range, Little Mountain Summit is usually open year-round, but keep an eye on the forecast during winter. Short closures are possible due to the weather. Once you conquer the climb, you'll find a handy parking lot at the top to soak in the scenery.
hardHow long is the Needles Highway?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through the Black Hills of South Dakota, smack-dab in Custer State Park. You're on Needles Highway (aka South Dakota Highway 87), and "spectacular" doesn't even begin to cover it. This isn't just a drive; it's an experience. Clocking in at just over 14 miles, this paved beauty, part of the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, is a wild ride of twists and turns. Seriously, forget about hitting third gear – you'll be too busy navigating hairpin turns and marveling at the scenery. What's the highlight? The three narrow tunnels! The most famous one is barely over 8 feet wide and 12 feet tall. It’s tight, but totally photo-worthy! Make sure you know your vehicle's dimensions before you go for it. (RVs and big trailers might want to sit this one out.) Other tunnels along the way are Hood Tunnel and Iron Creek Tunnel. When to go? Aim for spring through fall. Winter’s a no-go due to snow. This road isn't just about the drive itself; it's about the views! Think granite spires that look like they're piercing the sky, lush pine and spruce forests, meadows bursting with birch and aspen, and rugged granite mountains. You'll want to make time to snap a few photos. Plus, it's super convenient – only 30 miles from Rapid City and a quick 35-minute jaunt from Mount Rushmore. Why "Needles Highway"? The name comes from those crazy cool needle-like granite formations. Former South Dakota Governor Peter Norbeck literally walked and rode horseback to plan this road before it was built in 1922! Keep in mind, there's an entrance fee for Custer State Park, so factor that in. As for how long the drive takes, plan for about 45 to 60 minutes – but honestly, take your time! Stop at Sylvan Lake and the Needle’s Eye, and keep an eye out for mountain goats, deer, and chipmunks! Trust me, if you're anywhere near the Black Hills, Needles Highway needs to be on your list. Especially in the fall! Just remember to breathe (through those tunnels!), and enjoy the ride.